Power Supply Method and Power Supply Circuit

ABSTRACT

A power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltage to a data line driver circuit which drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines. An output from the data line driver circuit to the data lines is set to a high-impedance state, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from the data lines is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of a power line of a regulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to the data line driver circuit, within a given period. After the period, a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor is output to the power line, and a voltage generated by the regulator is supplied to the data line driver circuit as the high-potential drive power voltage for the data line driver circuit.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-353795 filed on Dec. 5, 2002, ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a power supply method and a powersupply circuit.

As a liquid crystal panel (display panel in a broad sense) used for anelectronic instrument such as a portable telephone, a simple matrix typeliquid crystal panel and an active matrix type liquid crystal panelusing switching elements such as thin film transistors (hereinafterabbreviated as “TFTs”) have been known.

The simple matrix method enables power consumption to be reduced incomparison with the active matrix method. However, it is difficult toincrease the number of colors and to display a moving image by using thesimple matrix method. The active matrix method is suitable forincreasing the number of colors and displaying a moving image. However,it is difficult to reduce power consumption by using the active matrixmethod.

In recent years, an increase in the number of colors and display of amoving image have been demanded for a portable electronic instrumentsuch as a portable telephone in order to provide a high-quality image.Therefore, an active matrix type liquid crystal panel has been usedinstead of a conventionally used simple matrix type liquid crystalpanel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of apower line of a regulator which outputs a drive power voltage to besupplied to the driver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generatedby the regulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a capacitor, one end of whichis connected directly or through a specific component to a power line ofa regulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to thedriver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generated by theregulator to the driver, circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has in addition to thedata lines through each of which multiplexed data signals for first tothird color components are transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of a power line of aregulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to thedriver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generatedby the regulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has in addition to thedata lines through each of which multiplexed data signals for first tothird color components are transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a capacitor, one end of which is connecteddirectly or through a specific component to a power line of a regulatorwhich outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to the drivercircuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generated by theregulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, themethod comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of thelow-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor,as the low-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, themethod comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a capacitor, one end of whichis connected directly or through a specific component to thelow-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor, as thelow-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a power supply method of supplying a negative voltage byutilizing a charge from a low-potential power line through which alow-potential drive power voltage is supplied, to a driver circuit whichreceives a high-potential drive power voltage in addition to thelow-potential drive power voltage and drives a plurality of data linesin a display panel which has in addition to the data lines through eachof which multiplexed data signals for first to third color componentsare transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potential powerline connected to a regulator which outputs the negative voltage, withina given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor,as the low-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a power supply method of supplying a negative voltage byutilizing a charge from a low-potential power line through which alow-potential drive power voltage is supplied, to a driver circuit whichreceives a high-potential drive power voltage in addition to thelow-potential drive power voltage and drives a plurality of data linesin a display panel which has in addition to the data lines through eachof which multiplexed data signals for first to third color componentsare transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a capacitor, one end of which is connecteddirectly or through a specific component to the low-potential power lineconnected to a regulator which outputs the negative voltage, within agiven period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor, as thelow-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which supplies a high-potential drive powervoltage to a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive powervoltage in addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drivesa plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which operates using a first voltage supplied to a powerline of the regulator as a power voltage, and outputs a voltage obtainedby regulating an input voltage which is the first voltage or a voltageobtained by dividing the first voltage;

a first switching circuit, one end of the first switching circuit beingconnected with an output node to which the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is output and the other end of the firstswitching circuit being connected with output of the regulator; and

a second switching circuit, one end of the second switching circuitbeing connected with the output node and the other end of the secondswitching circuit being connected with the power line, wherein:

the first switching circuit is turned off, the second switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the power line ofthe regulator during a given period in which an output from the drivercircuit to the data lines is set to a high impedance state, and polarityof a voltage between a pixel electrode of each of the pixels connectedto one of the data lines and a common electrode facing the pixelelectrode through an electro-optical material is reversed; and

the first switching circuit is turned on, the second switching circuitis turned off, and the regulated voltage is output to the output node bythe regulator to which a voltage generated by the charge accumulated inthe parasitic capacitor is supplied as a power voltage of the regulator.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which supplies a high-potential drive powervoltage to a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive powervoltage in addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drivesa plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator outputs a voltage obtained by regulating an input voltagewhich is a first voltage or a voltage obtained by dividing the firstvoltage;

a first switching circuit, one end of the first switching circuit beingconnected with an output node to which the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is output and the other end of the firstswitching circuit being connected with output of the regulator; and

a second switching circuit, one end of which is connected to the outputnode;

a capacitor, one end of the capacitor being connected to the other endof the second switching circuit, and the other end of the capacitorbeing connected to a system power line; and

a diode connected between the other end of the second switching circuitand a power line of the regulator to which is supplied a power voltageso that a direction from the system power line to the power line of theregulator is a forward direction, wherein:

the first switching circuit is turned off, the second switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in the capacitor during a given period inwhich an output from the driver circuit to the data lines is set to ahigh impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and

the first switching circuit is turned on, the second switching circuitis turned off, and the regulated voltage is output by the regulator towhich a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasiticcapacitor is supplied as a power voltage of the regulator.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a power supply circuit which outputs a negative voltage to adriver circuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drivepower voltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panelwhich has a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines inaddition to the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potentialpower line through which the low-potential drive power voltage issupplied,

the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which outputs a voltage obtained by regulating a negativevoltage input to the regulator;

a fourth switching circuit, one end of the fourth switching circuitbeing connected to an output node which outputs the low-potential drivepower voltage for the driver circuit, and the other end of the fourthswitching circuit being Connected to a system ground power line to whicha ground power voltage of the power supply circuit is supplied; and

a fifth switching circuit, one end of the fifth switching circuit beingconnected to the output node, and the other end of the fifth switchingcircuit being connected to a low-potential power line of the regulatordirectly or through a specific device, wherein:

the fourth switching circuit is turned off, the fifth switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potentialpower line of the regulator during a given period in which an outputfrom the driver circuit to the data lines is set to a high impedancestate, and polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode of each ofthe pixels connected to one of the data lines and a common electrodefacing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical material isreversed; and

the fourth switching circuit is turned on, the fifth switching circuitis turned off, and a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor is output to the low-potential power line of theregulator.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a power supply circuit which outputs a negative voltage to adriver circuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drivepower voltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panelwhich has a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines inaddition to the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potentialpower line through which the low-potential drive power voltage issupplied,

the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which outputs a voltage obtained by regulating a negativevoltage input to the regulator;

a fourth switching circuit, one end of the fourth switching circuitbeing connected to an output node which outputs the low-potential drivepower voltage for the driver circuit, and the other end of the fourthswitching circuit being connected to a system ground power line to whicha ground power voltage of the power supply circuit is supplied;

a fifth switching circuit, one end of which is connected to the outputnode;

a capacitor, one end of the capacitor being connected to the other endof the fifth switching circuit, and the other end of the capacitor beinggrounded; and

a diode connected between a low-potential power line of the regulatorand the other end of the fifth switching circuit so that a directionfrom the low-potential power line of the regulator to the fifthswitching circuit is a forward direction, wherein:

the fourth switching circuit is turned off, the fifth switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in the capacitor during a given period inwhich an output from the driver circuit to the data lines is set to ahigh impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and

the fourth switching circuit is turned on, the fifth switching circuitis turned off, and a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor is output to the low-potential power line of the regulator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a liquidcrystal device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating a scanning line reverse drivemethod.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a data line driver circuit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a major portion of a data line drivercircuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating a discharge from a data line.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a voltage-follower-connectedoperational amplifier.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a powersupply circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a control timing of first and secondswitching circuits.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the power supply circuit according to amodification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a control timing of first to thirdswitching circuits.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the power supply circuit of FIG. 9 fromwhich the third switching circuit is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing major portions of a power supply circuitand a data line driver circuit according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a control timing of fourth and fifthswitching circuits.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an input control circuit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a liquidcrystal panel formed by the LTPS process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between adata signal output to a data line from a data line driver circuit and ademultiplex control signal.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a control timing when the power supplycircuit according to the first or second embodiment is applied to aliquid crystal panel formed by the LTPS process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Note that theembodiments described hereunder do not in any way limit the scope of theinvention laid out in the claims herein. Note also that all of theelements described below should not be taken as essential requirementsfor the present invention.

In a simple matrix type liquid crystal panel or an active matrix typeliquid crystal panel, a liquid crystal is driven so that the voltageapplied to the liquid crystal which makes up a pixel alternates. As suchan alternating drive method, a line reverse drive method and a framereverse drive method have been known. In the line reverse drive method,the liquid crystal is driven so that the polarity of the voltage appliedto the liquid crystal is reversed in units of one or more lines. In theframe reverse drive method, the liquid crystal is driven so that thepolarity of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal is reversed ineach frame.

In the polarity reverse drive method in which the polarity of thevoltage applied to the liquid crystal is reversed, charging of the dataline of the liquid crystal panel and discharging from the data line arealternately repeated. As a result, a charge discharged from the dataline is returned to a driver circuit which drives the data line.

The driver circuit drives the data line by using avoltage-follower-connected operational amplifier, for example. Thecharge returned to the driver circuit is then returned to a ground powerline of the driver circuit by the operational amplifier. This makes itnecessary to recharge the data line by using the operational amplifier,whereby power consumption is increased.

According to the following embodiments, a power supply method and apower supply circuit which reduce power consumption by utilizing acharge discharged from the data line by the polarity reverse drive canbe provided.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail withreference to the drawings. Although the embodiments applied to a TFTpanel which is an active matrix type liquid crystal panel are describedbelow by way of example, the present invention is not limited thereto.

1. Liquid Crystal Device (Electro-Optical Device)

FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a liquid crystal device.The liquid crystal device may be incorporated into various electronicinstruments such as a portable telephone, portable informationinstrument (PDA, etc.), digital camera, projector, portable audioplayer, mass storage device, video camera, electronic notebook, orglobal positioning system (GPS).

In FIG. 1, a liquid crystal device 10 includes a liquid crystal panel20, a data line driver circuit (source driver in a narrow sense) 30, ascanning line driver circuit (gate driver in a narrow sense) 40, acontroller 50, and a power supply circuit 60. The liquid crystal device10 does not necessarily include all of these circuit blocks. The liquidcrystal device 10 may have a configuration in which some of thesecircuit blocks are omitted.

The liquid crystal panel 20 includes a plurality of scanning lines (gatelines), a plurality of data lines (source lines), and a plurality ofpixels. Each of the pixels is specified by one of the scanning lines andone of the data lines. Each of the pixels includes a TFT and a pixelelectrode. The TFT is connected with the data line, and a pixelelectrode is connected with the TFT.

In more detail, the liquid crystal panel 20 is formed on a panelsubstrate formed of a glass substrate, for example. A plurality ofscanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M) (M is an integer more than one) which arearranged in the Y direction shown in FIG. 1 and extend in the Xdirection, and a plurality of data lines DL₁ to DL_(N) (N is an integermore than one) which are arranged in the X direction and extend in the Ydirection are disposed on the panel substrate. A pixel PE_(mn) isdisposed at a location corresponding to the intersecting point of thescanning line GL_(m) (1≦m≦M, m is an integer) and the data line DL_(n)(1≦n≦N, n is an integer). The pixel PE_(mn) includes the TFT_(mn) andthe pixel electrode.

A gate electrode of the TFT_(mn) is connected with the scanning lineGL_(m). A source electrode of the TFT_(mn) is connected with the dataline DL_(n). A drain electrode of the TFT_(mn) is connected with thepixel electrode. A liquid crystal capacitor CL_(mn) and a storagecapacitor CS_(mn) are formed between the pixel electrode and a commonelectrode COM which faces the pixel electrode through a liquid crystalelement (electro-optical substance in a broad sense). The transmissivityof the liquid crystal element is changed corresponding to the voltageapplied between the pixel electrode and the common electrode COM. Avoltage VCOM supplied to the common electrode COM is generated by thepower supply circuit 60.

The data line driver circuit 30 drives the data lines DL₁ to DL_(N) ofthe liquid crystal panel 20 based on display data. The scanning linedriver circuit 40 scans the scanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M) of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

The controller 50 outputs control signals to the data line drivercircuit 30, the scanning line driver circuit 40, and the power supplycircuit 60 according to the contents set by a host such as a centralprocessing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) (not shown). In moredetail, the controller 50 supplies the operation mode setting and ahorizontal synchronization signal or a vertical synchronization signalgenerated therein to the data line driver circuit 30 and the scanningline driver circuit 40, for example. The controller 50 controls polarityreversal timing of the voltage VCOM of the common electrode COMgenerated by the power supply circuit 60.

The power supply circuit 60 generates various voltages of the liquidcrystal panel 20 and the voltage VCOM of the common electrode COM basedon a reference voltage supplied from the outside. In more detail, thepower supply circuit 60 includes a charge pump circuit, and generates aplurality of power voltages in the positive direction and the negativedirection with respect to the ground power voltage, and the voltage VCOMof the common electrode COM. The power voltage in the negative directionwith respect to the ground power voltage is output to the scanning linedriver circuit 40, for example.

In the power supply circuit 60, the power voltages and the voltage VCOMgenerated therein are regulated by using a regulator (voltage regulatorcircuit). The regulated voltages are then output. The regulator isformed by using a voltage-follower-connected operational amplifier, forexample.

In FIG. 1, the liquid crystal device 10 includes the controller 50.However, the controller 50 may be provided outside the liquid crystaldevice 10. The host (not shown) may be included in the liquid crystaldevice 10 together with the controller 50.

At least one of the scanning line driver circuit 40, the controller 50,and the power supply circuit 60 may be included in the data line drivercircuit 30. Some or all of the data line driver circuit 30, the scanningline driver circuit 40, the controller 50, and the power supply circuit60 may be formed on the liquid crystal panel 20.

The liquid crystal element deteriorates if a direct-current voltage isapplied to the liquid crystal element for a long period of time.Therefore, a drive method in which the polarity of the voltage appliedto the liquid crystal element is alternately reversed is necessary. Assuch a drive method, a frame reverse drive method, scanning (gate) linereverse drive method, data (source) line reverse drive method, dotreverse drive method, and the like can be given.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating the scanning line reverse drivemethod. In the scanning line reverse drive method, the polarity of thevoltage applied to the liquid crystal element is reversed every scanningperiod (in units of one or more scanning lines), for example.

For example, a positive voltage is applied to the liquid crystal elementin the k-th scanning period (select period of the scanning line GL_(k))(1≦k≦M, k is an integer), a negative voltage is applied to the liquidcrystal element in the (k+1)-th scanning period, and a positive voltageis applied to the liquid crystal element in the (k+2)-th scanningperiod. In the next frame, a negative voltage is applied to the liquidcrystal element in the k-th scanning period, a positive voltage isapplied to the liquid crystal element in the (k+1)-th scanning period,and a negative voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element in the(k+2)-th scanning period.

In the scanning line reverse drive method, the polarity of the voltage(common voltage) VCOM of the common electrode COM is reversed everyscanning period.

In more detail, the common voltage VCOM becomes a voltage VC1 (firstcommon voltage) in a positive period T1 (first period) and becomes avoltage VC2 (second common voltage) in a negative period T2 (secondperiod).

The positive period T1 is a period in which a voltage VS of the dataline (pixel electrode) is higher than the common voltage VCOM. In theperiod T1, a positive voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element.The negative period T2 is a period in which the voltage VS of the dataline is lower than the common voltage VCOM. In the period T2, a negativevoltage is applied to the liquid crystal element. The voltage VC2 is avoltage which is the reverse of the voltage VC1 with respect to a givenvoltage.

The voltage necessary for driving the liquid crystal panel can bereduced by reversing the polarity of the common voltage VCOM in thismanner. This enables the withstand voltage of the driver circuit to bereduced, whereby the manufacturing process of the driver circuit can besimplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

1.1 First Embodiment

In the above-described polarity reverse drive method, charging of anddischarging from the data line are alternately repeated. As a result, acharge discharged from the data line is returned to the power line ofthe data line driver circuit 30. This makes it necessary to supply acharge to the data line again, whereby power consumption is increased.

This point is described below.

The configuration of the data line driver circuit 30 is described atfirst.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the data line driver circuit 30. Ahigh-potential power line to which a high-potential drive power voltageVDDS is supplied, and a low-potential-side (ground) power line to whicha low-potential drive power voltage VSSS is supplied, are connected withthe data line driver circuit 30. The high-potential drive power voltageVDDS and the low-potential drive power voltage VSSS are generated by thepower supply circuit 60.

The data line driver circuit 30 includes a data latch 31, a levelshifter (L/S) 32, a reference voltage generation circuit 33, a voltageselect circuit (digital-to-analog converter: DAC) 34, and an outputcircuit 35.

The data latch 31 latches the display data. The display data includes aplurality of pieces of gray-scale data divided in units of data lines.The L/S 32 shifts the voltage level of the output of the data latch 31.

The reference voltage generation circuit 33 generates a plurality ofreference voltages obtained by dividing the voltage between thehigh-potential drive power voltage VDDS and the low-potential drivepower voltage VSSS. The reference voltage generation circuit 33 includesa resistance ladder to which die high-potential drive power voltage,VDDS and the low-potential drive power voltage VSSS are connected oneach end, for example. In this case, the reference voltages aregenerated from a plurality of voltage division terminals of theresistance ladder. Each of the reference voltages becomes a gray-scalevoltage corresponding to the gray-scale data.

The DAC 34 converts the output of the L/S 32 into an analog gray-scalevoltage by using the reference voltages generated by the referencevoltage generation circuit 33. In more detail, the DAC 34 decodes thegray-scale data and selects one of the reference voltages based on thedecoding result. The reference voltage selected by the DAC 34 is outputto the output circuit 35 as an analog gray-scale voltage.

The output circuit 35 drives the data lines DL₁ to DL_(N) based on theanalog gray-scale voltage output from the DAC 34. In the output circuit35, voltage-follower-connected operational amplifiers as impedanceconversion circuits are provided in units of the data lines.

FIG. 4 shows a major portion of the data line driver circuit 30. In moredetail, FIG. 4 shows a major portion of the data line driver circuit 30for driving the data line DL_(n).

The gray-scale data corresponding to the data line DL_(n) is convertedinto an analog gray-scale voltage by the DAC 34 _(n). The analoggray-scale voltage is input to the output circuit 35 _(n). The outputcircuit 35 _(n) includes a voltage-follower-connected operationalamplifier OPAMP_(n). The output circuit 35 _(n) drives the data line DL₉by using the voltage-follower-connected operational amplifier OPAMP_(n).

The output circuit 35 _(n) is set to either an enabled state or adisabled state by an enable signal EN. In the case where the outputcircuit 35 _(n) is set to a disabled state by the enable signal EN, theoutput circuit 35 _(n) sets its output at a high impedance state. Avoltage corresponding to the gray-scale data is applied to the data lineDL_(n) driven by the output circuit 35 _(n) which is set to an enabledstate.

The voltage VCOM of the common electrode COM is alternately set to thevoltage VC1 and the voltage VC2 by the above-described polarity reversedrive method, whereby the polarity of the voltage applied to the liquidcrystal element is reversed. As a result, a charge accumulated in thedata line DL₁ is discharged in synchronization with the polarityreversal timing.

In more detail, in the case where the voltage-follower-connectedoperational amplifier OPAMP_(n) is operated at an operating voltagebetween the high-potential drive power voltage VDDS and thelow-potential drive power voltage VSSS, a charge accumulated in the dataline DL_(n) is returned to either the high-potential power line to whichthe high-potential drive power voltage VDDS is supplied or thelow-potential power line to which the low-potential drive power voltageVSSS is supplied in synchronization with the polarity reversal timing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating a discharge from the data line. Thevoltage VCOM of the common electrode is the voltage VC1. As shown inFIG. 4, the data line DL_(n) is driven by the output circuit 35 _(n) ofthe data line driver circuit 30.

The data line DL_(n) is charged (t1), and the voltage of the data lineDL_(n) is increased to 5 V, for example. The scanning line GL_(m) isselected, whereby the TFT_(mn) is turned ON. The voltage of the dataline DL_(n) is written in the pixel electrode connected with theTFT_(mn), and the TFT_(mn) is turned OFF (t2).

When the voltage VCOM of the common electrode is changed from thevoltage VC1 (“L” level) to the voltage VC2 (“H” level) at a polarityreversal timing t3, the voltage of the data line DL_(n) is relativelyincreased in the amount of a voltage (VC2-VC1) (t4). In the case wherethe voltage of the data line DL_(n) becomes 5 V in the period t1 and thevoltage VC1 and the voltage VC2 are respectively 0 V and 5 V, thevoltage of the data line DL_(n) becomes 10 V in the period t4 after thepolarity reversal timing t3.

However, the output circuit 35 _(n) of the data line driver circuit 30which drives the data line DL_(n) is formed so that the charge on thesignal line to which a voltage higher than the reference voltage isapplied is discarded to the low-potential power line. In the case wherethe data line DL_(n) is driven by the voltage-follower-connectedoperational amplifier OPAMP_(n) as shown in FIG. 4, if the voltage ofthe data line DL_(n) becomes higher than the voltage of the inputsignal, the data line DL_(n) is electrically connected with thelow-potential power line to which the low-potential drive power voltageVSSS is supplied. Therefore, the charge discharged through the data lineDL_(n) flows toward the low-potential power line.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of thevoltage-follower-connected operational amplifier OPAMP_(n). An analoggray-scale voltage is input as an input voltage Vin of thevoltage-follower-connected operational amplifier OPAMP_(n). An outputvoltage Vout of the voltage-follower-connected operational amplifierOPAMP_(n) is output to the data line DL_(n). Thevoltage-follower-connected operational amplifier OPAMP_(n) includes adifferential amplifier section 41 _(n) and an output section 42 _(n).

In the case where the output voltage Vout is higher than the inputvoltage Vin, a p-type transistor 44 in the output section 42 _(n) isturned OFF. Therefore, the output signal line to which the outputvoltage Vout is applied is electrically connected with the low-potentialpower line through a constant current source made up of an n-typetransistor 46 which is turned ON by the enable signal EN.

In the case where the data line DL_(n) is driven by thevoltage-follower-connected operational amplifier OPAMP_(n), if thevoltage of the data line DL_(n) which is the output voltage becomeshigher than the voltage of the input signal as shown in FIG. 5; thecharge flows toward the low-potential power line to which thelow-potential drive power voltage VSSS is supplied, whereby the voltageof the data line DL_(n) is returned to the high-potential drive powervoltage VDDS supplied to the high-potential power line (t5). Therefore,electric power corresponding to the charge discharged from the data lineDL_(n) indicated by a slanted line portion 70 shown in FIG. 5 isconsumed uselessly, whereby power consumption is increased.

In the first embodiment, a charge discharged from the data line DL_(n)is reutilized by forming the power supply circuit 60 as described below,thereby realizing a reduction of power consumption.

In the first embodiment, the output of the output circuit 35 _(n) is setat a high impedance state in a given period including the polarityreversal timing. This allows a charge discharged from the data lineDL_(n) to be accumulated in the output signal line. Therefore, thevoltage of the output signal line is increased.

However, an output protection circuit 48 _(n) is connected with theoutput terminal of the data line driver circuit 30. The outputprotection circuit 48 _(n) is made up of a diode device or a transistor.Therefore, the charge accumulated in the output signal line flows towardthe high-potential power line. As a result, the high-potential drivepower voltage of the data line driver circuit 30 is increased.

The high-potential drive power voltage of the data line driver circuit30 is supplied through the high-potential power line connected to thepower supply circuit 60. The power supply circuit 60 supplies thehigh-potential drive power voltage to the high-potential power line byusing a regulator. In the case where the regulator is formed by usingthe above-described voltage-follower-connected operational amplifier, ifthe high-potential drive power voltage which has been increased asdescribed above is directly returned to the output of the operationalamplifier, the charge is returned to the ground power line of the powersupply circuit 60, whereby power consumption is increased.

In the power supply circuit 60 in the first embodiment, the charge onthe high-potential power line is accumulated by providing a switchingcircuit, and the power voltage is supplied to the regulator which drivesthe high-potential power line by utilizing the accumulated charge. Thisenables consumption of electric power corresponding to the slanted lineportion 70 shown in FIG. 5 to be prevented.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the configuration of the power supply circuit60 in the first embodiment. The power supply circuit 60 includes avoltage generation circuit 62, a regulator 64 as the voltage regulatorcircuit, and first and second switching circuits SW1 and SW2.

The voltage generation circuit 62 includes a power line to which a firstvoltage as a system power voltage VDD is supplied, and a resistanceladder connected between the power line and a ground power line to whicha system ground power voltage VSS is supplied, for example. Variouspower voltages are produced from a voltage division terminal of theresistance ladder. In FIG. 7, the resistance ladder is connected so thatthe power voltage produced from one voltage division terminal is inputto the regulator 64. However, the first voltage may be input to theregulator 64.

The regulator 64 is formed by the voltage-follower-connected operationalamplifier including the differential amplifier section and the outputsection shown in FIG. 6. The regulator 64 drives the high-potentialpower line of the data line driver circuit 30.

The first and second switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are connected withan output node ND of the power supply circuit 60 which is connected withthe high-potential power line. The other end of the first switchingcircuit SW1 is connected with the output of the regulator 64. The otherend of the second switching circuit SW2 is connected with the power lineto which the first voltage is supplied. The first switching circuit SW1is ON/OFF controlled by a SW1 control signal. The second switchingcircuit SW2 is ON/OFF controlled by a SW2 control signal.

In the power supply circuit 60 in the first embodiment, the output nodeND is connected with the signal line (power line) of the regulator 64 towhich the power voltage is supplied, and a charge accumulated in thehigh-potential power line is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor C₀ ofthe power line. The parasitic capacitor C₀ may be referred to as acapacitor formed between the power line and a specific signal line orthe substrate.

FIG. 8 shows an example of control timing of the first and secondswitching circuits SW1 and SW2. The output of the output circuit 35 _(n)of the data line driver circuit 30 is set at a high impedance state in aperiod TM1 (given period) including the polarity reversal timing. Inmore detail, the output of the output circuit 35 _(n) of the data linedriver circuit 30 is set at a high impedance state in the period TM1including the polarity reversal timing at which the voltage VCOM of thecommon electrode COM is changed from the “L” level to the “H” level.This allows the charge to be discharged from the data line, whereby thevoltage of the high-potential power line of the data line driver circuit30 is increased.

In the period TM1, the first switching circuit SW1 is turned OFF by theSW1 control signal, and the second switching circuit SW2 is turned ON bythe SW2 control signal. This allows the output node ND to beelectrically connected with the power line of the regulator 64.Therefore, the charge on the high-potential power line is accumulated inthe parasitic capacitor C₀ of the power line.

After the period TM1 has elapsed, the first switching circuit SW1 isturned ON by the SW1 control signal and the second switching circuit SW2is turned OFF by the SW2 control signal. This allows the output node NDto be electrically isolated from the power line of the regulator 64 andelectrically connected with the output of the regulator 64. Theregulator 64 drives the high-potential power line based on the dividedvoltage of the voltage generation circuit 62 by using a voltagegenerated by the parasitic capacitor C₀ of the power line.

A given period may include at least one of a specific period before thepolarity reversal timing and a specific period after the polarityreversal timing.

This enables power consumption to be reduced by reutilizing the chargewhich is originally discarded to the ground side by the polarity reversedrive.

1.2 Modification

In FIG. 7, the charge on the high potential power line is accumulated inthe parasitic capacitor of the signal line (power line) of the regulator64 to which the power voltage is supplied. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. In the power supply circuit in thismodification example, a capacitor C is formed between the other end ofthe second switching circuit SW2 and the system power line to which thesystem power voltage VDD is supplied, and the charge on the highpotential power line is accumulated in the capacitor C.

FIG. 9 shows the power supply circuit according to a modification of thefirst embodiment. Note that components corresponding to those in thepower supply circuit 60 of FIG. 7 are denoted by the same referencenumbers and further description thereof is omitted. A power supplycircuit 100 in this modification differs from the power supply circuit60 of FIG. 7 in that the power supply circuit 100 includes a thirdswitching circuit SW3, a capacitor C, and a diode device (specificdevice) 102.

The third switching circuit SW3 is connected between the other end ofthe second switching circuit SW2 and the power line of the regulator 64.The third switching circuit SW3 is ON/OFF controlled by a SW3 controlsignal.

The capacitor C is connected between the other end of the secondswitching circuit SW2 and the system power line. The system power lineis a power line to which the system power supply VDD is supplied. Thesystem power line may be referred to as a signal line for supplying thepower voltage of the regulator.

The diode device 102 is connected between the system power line and thepower line of the regulator 64. In more detail, the diode device 102 isconnected so that the direction from the system power line to the powerline of the regulator 64 is the forward direction.

FIG. 10 shows an example of control timing of the first to thirdswitching circuits SW1 to SW3. The control timing of the first andsecond switching circuits SW1 and SW2 is the same as the control timingshown in FIG. 8. The SW3 control signal is changed at the same timing asthe SW1 control signal.

In the period TM1, the first and third switching circuits SW1 and SW3are turned OFF by the SW1 control signal and the SW3 control signal, andthe second switching circuit SW2 is turned ON by the SW2 control signal.This allows the charge of the output node ND of which the voltage isincreased to be accumulated in the capacitor C.

After the period TM1 has elapsed, the first and third switching circuitsSW1 and SW3 are turned ON by the SW1 control signal and the SW3 controlsignal, and the second switching circuit SW2 is turned OFF by the SW2control signal. This allows a voltage generated by the capacitor C to besupplied to the power line of the regulator 64. The regulator 64 drivesthe high-potential power line based on the divided voltage of thevoltage generation circuit 62 by using the voltage generated by thecapacitor C. This enables power consumption to be reduced by reutilizingthe charge which is originally discarded to the ground side by thepolarity reverse drive.

As shown in FIG. 11, the power supply circuit may have a configurationin which the third switching circuit SW3 is omitted. In this case, eachend of the capacitor C is connected through the diode device 102.Therefore, the charge on the high-potential power line can beaccumulated in the capacitor C.

1.3 Second Embodiment

In the second embodiment, a negative voltage supplied to the scanningline driver circuit 40 is generated by utilizing a charge which isoriginally discarded by replacing part of the components of the firstembodiment with the following components or adding following componentsto the configuration of the first embodiment, for example.

In the first embodiment, the charge on the data line discharged to thehigh-potential power line of the data line driver circuit is accumulatedwhen the voltage VCOM of the common electrode COM is changed from the“L” level to the “H” level. In the following configuration in the secondembodiment, the charge on the data line discharged to the low-potentialpower line of the data line driver circuit is accumulated when thevoltage VCOM of the common electrode COM is changed from the “H” levelto the “L” level. A negative voltage is generated by reutilizing thecharge on the data line discharged to the low-potential power line.

FIG. 12 shows major portions of a power supply circuit and a data linedriver circuit according to the second embodiment. Note that componentscorresponding to those in the liquid crystal panel 20 and the scanningline driver circuit 40 of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same referencenumbers and further description thereof is omitted. A data line drivercircuit 250 includes the components of the data line driver circuit 30shown in FIG. 3.

A power supply circuit 200 in the second embodiment outputs a voltagewhich is negative with respect to the ground power supply potential(negative voltage) to the scanning line driver circuit 40. Therefore,the power supply circuit 200 includes a charge pump 210 and a regulator220.

The charge pump 210 generates a negative voltage V_(N) by increasing agiven reference voltage V_(N0), which is positive with respect to theground power supply potential, in the negative direction based on acharge pump clock signal (not shown).

The operating power voltage of the regulator 220 is the potentialdifference between the high-potential power line and the low-potentialpower line. The high-potential power line of the regulator 220 is thesystem ground power line. The low-potential power line of the regulator220 is a signal line to which the negative voltage V_(N) which is theoutput voltage of the charge pump 210 is supplied. A given dividedvoltage obtained by dividing the voltage between the high-potentialpower line and the low-potential power line is input to the regulator220. The regulator 220 outputs a voltage obtained by regulating theinput voltage to the scanning line driver circuit 40.

The power supply circuit 200 includes fourth and fifth switchingcircuits SW4 and SW5. The fourth switching circuit SW4 is insertedbetween the low-potential power line to which the low-potential drivepower voltage VSSS of the data line driver circuit 250 and the scanningline driver circuit 40 is supplied and the ground power line to whichthe system ground power voltage VSS is supplied. The fifth switchingcircuit SW5 is inserted between the low-potential power line connectedwith the data line driver circuit 250 and the scanning line drivercircuit 40 and one end of the diode device (specific device) 222. Theother end of the diode device 222 is connected with the low-potentialpower line of the regulator 220 (output of the charge pump 210). Thediode device 222 is connected so that the direction from thelow-potential power line of the regulator 220 to the fifth switchingcircuit SW5 is the forward direction. This allows a voltageapproximately equal to the voltage of the low-potential power line ofthe regulator 220 to be supplied to one end of the capacitor C1.

The fourth switching circuit SW4 is ON/OFF controlled by a SW4 controlsignal. The fifth switching circuit SW5 is ON/OFF controlled by a SW5control signal.

In the second embodiment, the output of the output circuit of the dataline driver circuit 250 is set at a high impedance state in a givenperiod including the polarity reversal timing in the same manner as inthe first embodiment. The voltage VCOM of the common electrode COM ischanged from the “H” level to the “L” level, whereby a charge isdischarged from the data line DL_(n), and the voltage of the outputsignal line is decreased.

However, the charge accumulated in the output signal line flows towardthe low-potential power line by the output protection circuit connectedwith the output terminal of the data line driver circuit 250. As aresult, the low-potential drive power voltage of the data line drivercircuit is decreased.

The low-potential drive power voltage of the data line driver circuit250 is supplied through the low-potential power line connected with thepower supply circuit 200. Therefore, in the power supply circuit 200 inthe second embodiment, the charge discharged to the low-potential powerline is accumulated by providing the switching circuits, and theaccumulated charge is utilized for the low-potential-side power supplyof the regulator 220 which outputs the negative voltage.

FIG. 13 shows an example of control timing of the fourth and fifthswitching circuits SW4 and SW5. The output of the output circuit of thedata line driver circuit 250 is set at a high impedance state in aperiod TM2 (given period) including the polarity reversal timing. Inmore detail, the output of the output circuit of the data line drivercircuit 250 is set at a high impedance state in the period TM2 includingthe polarity reversal timing at which the voltage VCOM of the commonelectrode COM is changed from the “H” level to the “L” level. Thisallows the voltage of the low-potential power line of the data linedriver circuit 250 to be decreased.

In the period TM2, the fourth switching circuit SW4 is turned OFF by theSW4 control signal, and the fifth switching circuit SW5 is turned ON bythe SW5 control signal. This allows the low-potential power line to beelectrically connected with the capacitor C1. Therefore, the charge onthe low-potential power line is accumulated in the capacitor C1.

After the period TM2 has elapsed, the fourth switching circuit SW4 isturned ON by the SW4 control signal, and the fifth switching circuit SW5is turned OFF by the SW5 control signal. This allows the voltagegenerated by the capacitor C1 to be applied to the low-potential powerline of the regulator 220.

The period may include at least one of a specific period before thepolarity reversal timing and a specific period after the polarityreversal timing.

This enables power consumption to be reduced by reutilizing the chargewhich is originally discarded to the ground side by the polarity reversedrive.

The power supply circuit 200 may have a configuration in which thecapacitor C1 and the diode device 222 are omitted and the fifthswitching circuit SW5 is connected between the low-potential power lineconnected with the scanning line driver circuit 40 and the data linedriver circuit 250 and the low-potential power line of the regulator220. In this case, a charge discharged to the low-potential power lineis accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potential power lineof the regulator 220.

In the case where the data line driver circuit 250 is formed by using atriple-well structure, a voltage which is more negative than the groundpower supply potential can be generated. Therefore, the charge can bereutilized by using the above-described structure.

However, in the case where the data line driver circuit 250 is formed byusing a twin-well structure, a voltage which is more negative than theground power supply potential cannot be generated. Therefore, in thecase where the signal input to the data line driver circuit 250 from theoutside is at a logic level “L”, the logic level recognized in the dataline driver circuit 250 may differ. Therefore, the data line drivercircuit 250 includes an input control circuit 252.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the input control circuit 252.

The input control circuit 252 includes a buffer circuit 254 and a latchcircuit 256. The buffer circuit 254 is enabled or disabled by anegative-precharge signal mp. The latch circuit 256 is enabled ordisabled by a reverse signal of the negative-precharge signal mp. Thenegative-precharge signal mp is a signal which is changed at the sametiming as the SW4 control signal shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, since thebuffer circuit 254 to which the input signal is input is set to adisabled state in the period TM2 in which the voltage VCOM is changed,the input signal is not accepted. This eliminates the case where thelogic level of the input signal is incorrectly recognized.

It is preferable that the signal latched by the latch circuit 256 inresponse to the negative-precharge signal mp be output while being fixedat the ground power voltage of the data line driver circuit. This isbecause a problem relating to a withstand voltage occurs if the signalis fixed at the high-potential-side power voltage of the data linedriver circuit.

Since the polarity reversal timing is recognized in the controller 50 inadvance, it is preferable that the controller 50 suspend the output ofthe control signal to the data line driver circuit 30, the scanning linedriver circuit 40, and the power supply circuit 60, and fix its outputat the system ground power voltage (low-potential-side power voltage ofthe controller).

It is also possible to provide input signals which are differentiallyoperated without providing the input control circuit 252.

2. Other Modifications

In recent years, there has been a demand for reduction of the size andweight of an information instrument and an increase in the imagequality. Therefore, reduction of the size of the display panel andreduction of the pixel size have been demanded. As one solution tosatisfy such a demand, a method of forming a display panel by using alow temperature poly-silicon (hereinafter abbreviated as “LTPS”) processhas been studied.

According to the LTPS process, a driver circuit and the like can bedirectly formed on a panel substrate (glass substrate, for example) onwhich pixels including a switching element (thin film transistor (TFT),for example) and the like are formed. This enables the number of partsto be decreased, whereby the size and weight of the display panel can bereduced. Moreover, LTPS enables the pixel size to be reduced by applyinga conventional silicon process technology while maintaining the apertureratio. Furthermore, LTPS has high charge mobility and small parasiticcapacitance in comparison with amorphous silicon (a-Si). Therefore, acharging period for the pixel formed on the substrate can be securedeven if the pixel select period per pixel is reduced due to an increasein the screen size, whereby the image quality can be improved.

The above-described embodiment may also be applied to a display panel(liquid crystal panel) formed by using the LTPS process.

FIG. 15 schematically shows the configuration of a display panel formedby the LTPS process. A liquid crystal panel 500 formed by using the LTPSprocess includes a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of datalines, and a plurality of pixels. The scanning lines and the data linesare disposed to intersect. A pixel is specified by the scanning line andthe data line.

In the liquid crystal panel 500, the pixels are selected by each of thescanning lines (GL) and each of the data lines (DL) in units of threepixels. A signal for each color component transmitted through one ofthree color component data lines (R, G, B) corresponding to the dataline is written in each selected pixel. Each of the pixels includes aTFT and a pixel electrode.

In the liquid crystal panel 500, the scanning lines and the data linesare formed on a panel substrate such as a glass substrate. In moredetail, a plurality of scanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M) which are arrangedin the Y direction and extend in the X direction, and a plurality ofdata lines DL₁ to DL_(N) which are arranged in the X direction andextend in the Y direction are disposed on the panel substrate shown inFIG. 15. First to third color component data lines (R₁, G₁, B₁) to(R_(N), G_(N), B_(N)) (first to third color component data lines make aset) which are arranged in the X direction and extend in the Y directionare formed on the panel substrate.

R pixels (first color component pixels) PR (PR₁₁ to PR_(MN)) are formedat intersecting points of the scanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M) and the firstcolor component data lines R₁ to R_(N). G pixels (second color componentpixels) PG (PG₁₁ to PG_(MN)) are formed at intersecting points of thescanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M) and the second color component data linesG₁ to G_(N). B pixels (third color component pixels) PB (PB₁₁ toPB_(MN)) are formed at intersecting points of the scanning lines GL₁ toGL_(M) and the third color component data lines B₁ to B_(N).

The R pixel PR, the G pixel PG, and the B pixel PB have the sameconfiguration as that of the pixel PE_(mn) shown in FIG. 1. Therefore,further description is omitted.

In FIG. 15, demultiplexers DMUX₁ to DMUX_(N) provided corresponding toeach of the data lines are formed on the panel substrate. A demultiplexcontrol signal is input to the demultiplexers DMUX₁ to DMUX_(N). Thedemultiplex control signal is a signal for controlling switching of eachof the demultiplexers.

The gate signals GATE₁ to GATE_(M) are respectively output to thescanning lines GL₁ to GL_(M). The gate signals GATE₁ to GATE_(M) arepulse signals. One of the gate signals GATE₁ to GATE_(M) goes active inone frame of a vertical scanning period started by a start pulse signal.

The demultiplex control signal is supplied from the data line drivercircuit in the above-described embodiment, for example. The data linesDL₁ to DL_(N) are driven by the data line driver circuit in theabove-described embodiment. The data line driver circuit outputsvoltages (data signals) which are time-divided in units of colorcomponent pixels and correspond to the gray-scale data for each colorcomponent to each color component data line. The data line drivercircuit generates the demultiplex control signal for selectivelyoutputting the voltages corresponding to the gray-scale data for eachcolor component to each color component data line in synchronizationwith the time-division timing, and outputs the demultiplex controlsignal to the liquid crystal panel 500.

FIG. 16 schematically shows the relationship between the data signaloutput to the data line from the data line driver circuit and thedemultiplex control signal. The data signal DATA_(n) output to the dataline DL_(n) is shown in this figure.

The data line driver circuit outputs the data signal in which thevoltages corresponding to the gray-scale data (display data) for eachcolor component are time-division multiplexed to each data line. In FIG.16, the data line driver circuit multiplexes a write signal to the Rpixel, a write signal to the G pixel, and a write signal to the B pixeland outputs the multiplexed signal to the data line DL_(n). The writesignal to the R pixel is a write signal to the R pixel PR_(mn) selectedby the scanning line GL_(m) from the R pixels PR_(1n) to PR_(Mn)corresponding to the data line DL_(n), for example. The write signal tothe G pixel is a write signal to the G pixel PG_(mn) selected by thescanning line GL_(m) from the G pixels PG_(1n) to PG_(Mn) correspondingto the data line DL_(n), for example. The write signal to the B pixel isa write signal to the B pixel PB_(mn) selected by the scanning lineGL_(m) from the B pixels PB_(1n) to PB_(Mn) corresponding to the dataline DL_(n), for example.

The data line driver circuit generates the demultiplex control signal insynchronization with the time-division timing of the write signals foreach color component which are multiplexed into the data signalDATA_(n). The demultiplex control signal includes first to thirddemultiplex control signals (Rsel, Gsel, Bsel).

The demultiplexer DMUX_(n) corresponding to the data line DL_(n) isformed on the panel substrate. The demultiplexer DMUX_(n) includes firstto third demultiplexing switch elements DSW1 to DSW3.

The first to third color component data lines (R_(n), G_(n), B_(n)) areconnected with the output side of the demultiplexer DMUX_(n). The dataline DL_(n) is connected with the input side of the demultiplexerDMUX_(n). The demultiplexer DMUX_(n) electrically connects the data lineDL_(n) with one of the first to third color component data lines (R_(n),G_(n), B_(n)) in response to the demultiplex control signal. Thedemultiplex control signal is input in common to the demultiplexersDMUX₁ to DMUX_(N).

The first demultiplexing switch element DSW1 is ON/OFF controlled by thefirst demultiplex control signal Rsel. The second demultiplexing switchelement DSW2 is ON/OFF controlled by the second demultiplex controlsignal Gsel. The third demultiplexing switch element DSW3 is ON/OFFcontrolled by the third demultiplex control signal Bsel. The first tothird demultiplex control signals (Rsel, Gsel, Bsel) periodically andconsecutively go active. Therefore, the demultiplexer DMUX_(n)periodically and consecutively connects the data line DL_(n)electrically with the first to third color component data lines (R_(n),G_(n), B_(n)).

In the liquid crystal panel 500 having such a configuration, thetime-divided voltages corresponding to the gray-scale data for the firstto third color components are output to the data line DL_(n). In thedemultiplexer DMUX_(n), the voltages corresponding to the gray-scaledata for each color component are applied to the first to third colorcomponent data lines (R_(n), G_(n), B_(n)) by the first to thirddemultiplex control signals (Rsel, Gsel, Bsel) generated insynchronization with the time-division timing. The color component dataline is electrically connected with the pixel electrode in one of thefirst to third color component pixels (PR_(mn), PG_(mn), PB_(mn))selected by the scanning line GL_(m).

The power supply circuit in the first or second embodiment may also beapplied to the liquid crystal panel 500 having the above-describedconfiguration.

FIG. 17 shows an example of control timing when the power supply circuitaccording to the first or second embodiment is applied to the liquidcrystal panel 500. Storage of a charge discharged to the high-potentialpower line as shown in FIG. 7 or 11, and a charge discharged to thelow-potential power line as shown in FIG. 12 is shown in this figure.

The first to third demultiplex control signals (Rsel, Gsel, Bsel) areturned ON at the same time in the periods TM1 and TM2 including thepolarity reversal timing. In more detail, the first to third colorcomponent data lines (R_(n), G_(n), B_(n)) are electrically connectedwith the data line DL_(n) in the period TM1 including the polarityreversal timing at which the voltage VCOM of the common electrode COM ischanged from the “L” level to the “H” level and the period TM2 includingthe polarity reversal timing at which the voltage VCOM is changed fromthe “H” level to the “L” level. Therefore, the charge accumulated in thefirst to third color component data lines (R_(n), G_(n), B_(n)) and thedata line DL_(n) is discharged in the periods TM1 and TM2.

The first to third demultiplexing switch elements DSW1 to DSW3 of allthe demultiplexers DMUX₁ to DMUX_(N) may be turned ON at the same timeby the first to third demultiplex control signals (Rsel, Gsel, Bsel).The first to third demultiplexing switch elements DSW1 to DSW3 of onlythe demultiplexer of which the data line is set at a high impedancestate may be turned ON at the same time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.Various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

Part of requirements of any claim of the present invention could beomitted from a dependent claim which depends on that claim. Moreover,part of requirements of any independent claim of the present inventioncould be made to depend on any other independent

The following is disclosed relating to the above-described embodiments.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of apower line of a regulator which outputs a drive power voltage to besupplied to the driver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generatedby the regulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

A charge discharged from the data lines is a charge flowing from thedata lines of the display panel when the polarity inversion drive isperformed, for example.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the system groundpower line by the regulator which outputs the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is accumulated in the parasitic capacitorof the power line of the regulator. The voltage generated by the chargeaccumulated in the parasitic capacitor is output to the power line ofthe regulator after accumulating the charge in the parasitic capacitor,and the high-potential drive power voltage is supplied to the drivercircuit.

Therefore, since the high-potential drive power voltage of the drivercircuit can be supplied by reutilizing the charge which is originallydiscarded, power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a capacitor, one end of whichis connected directly or through a specific component to a power line ofa regulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to thedriver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generated by theregulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

As the specific device, a diode or a switching element can be given, forexample.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the system groundpower line by the regulator which outputs the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is accumulated in the capacitor which isconnected on one end either directly or through the specific device withthe power line of the regulator. Therefore, the capacitor can accumulatethe charge discharged from the data line on the other end. The voltagegenerated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor (voltage generatedacross each end of the capacitor) is output to the power line of theregulator after accumulating the charge in the capacitor, and thehigh-potential drive power voltage is supplied to the driver circuit.

Therefore, since the high-potential drive power voltage of the drivercircuit can be supplied by reutilizing the charge which is originallydiscarded, power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has in addition to thedata lines through each of which multiplexed data signals for first tothird color components are transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of a power line of aregulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to thedriver circuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generatedby the regulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

Setting the f-th demultiplexing switch element (1≦f≦3, f is an integer)to an ON state means closing the f-th demultiplexing switch element.Specifically, the pixel for the j-th color component and the data lineon each end of the f-th demultiplexing switch element are electricallyconnected.

This power supply method may be applied for providing a power supply toa driver circuit which drives a display panel formed by using a lowtemperature poly-silicon (LTPS) process, for example.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the system groundpower line by the regulator which outputs the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is accumulated in the parasitic capacitorof the power line of the regulator. The charge to be discharged from thedata line connected with the first to third color component pixels isdischarged by setting all of the first to third demultiplexing switchelements included in each of the demultiplexers of the display panel toan ON state.

The voltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasiticcapacitor is output to the power line of the regulator afteraccumulating the charge in the parasitic capacitor, and thehigh-potential drive power voltage is supplied to the driver circuit.

Therefore, since the high-potential drive power voltage of the drivercircuit can also be supplied to the display panel formed by using theLTPS process by reutilizing the charge which is originally discarded,power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltageto a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltagein addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has in addition to thedata lines through each of which multiplexed data signals for first tothird color components are transmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a capacitor, one end of which is connecteddirectly or through a specific component to a power line of a regulatorwhich outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to the drivercircuit, within a given period; and

outputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generated by theregulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.

This power supply method may be applied for providing a power supply toa driver circuit which drives a display panel formed by using the LTPSprocess, for example.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the system groundpower line by the regulator which outputs the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is accumulated in the capacitor which isconnected on one end either directly or through the specific device withthe power line of the regulator. Therefore, the capacitor can accumulatethe charge discharged from the data line on the other end. The charge tobe discharged from the data line connected with the first to third colorcomponent pixel is discharged by setting all of the first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements included in each of the demultiplexers ofthe display panel to an ON state.

The voltage generated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor(voltage generated across each end of the capacitor) is output to thepower line of the regulator after accumulating the charge in thecapacitor, and the high-potential drive power voltage is supplied to thedriver circuit.

Therefore, since the high-potential drive power voltage of the drivercircuit can also be supplied to the display panel formed by using theLTPS process by reutilizing the charge which is originally discarded,power consumption can be reduced.

In the above power supply method, polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial may be reversed during the period.

Since the charge discarded accompanying the polarity reverse drive canbe reutilized, display quality can be improved by the polarity reversedrive and power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, themethod comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of thelow-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor,as the low-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

The negative voltage may be supplied to a driver circuit which drivesthe scanning lines, for example.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the low-potentialpower line of the data line driver circuit is accumulated in theparasitic capacitor of the low-potential power line of the regulatorwhich outputs the negative voltage. The negative voltage is output bysupplying the voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the low-potential power line of the regulatorafter accumulating the charge in the parasitic capacitor.

Therefore, since the negative voltage can be generated by reutilizingthe charge which is originally discarded, power consumption can bereduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, themethod comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a capacitor, one end of whichis connected directly or through a specific component to thelow-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor, as thelow-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

In this power supply method, the output of the driver circuit to thedata line is set at a high impedance state, and the charge dischargedfrom the data line which is originally discarded to the low-potentialpower line of the data line driver circuit is accumulated on the otherend of the capacitor which is connected on one end either directly orthrough the specific device with the low-potential power line of theregulator which outputs the negative voltage.

The negative voltage is output by supplying the voltage generated by thecharge accumulated in the capacitor to the low-potential power line ofthe regulator after accumulating the charge in the parasitic capacitor.

Therefore, since the negative voltage can be generated by reutilizingthe charge which is originally discarded, power consumption can bereduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage by utilizing acharge from a low-potential power line through which a low-potentialdrive power voltage is supplied, to a driver circuit which receives ahigh-potential drive power voltage in addition to the low-potentialdrive power voltage and drives a plurality of data lines in a displaypanel which has in addition to the data lines through each of whichmultiplexed data signals for first to third color components aretransmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potential powerline connected to a regulator which outputs the negative voltage, withina given period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor,as the low-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply method of supplying a negative voltage by utilizing acharge from a low-potential power line through which a low-potentialdrive power voltage is supplied, to a driver circuit which receives ahigh-potential drive power voltage in addition to the low-potentialdrive power voltage and drives a plurality of data lines in a displaypanel which has in addition to the data lines through each of whichmultiplexed data signals for first to third color components aretransmitted:

a plurality of scanning lines;

a plurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and

a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includes first to thirddemultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled by first to thirddemultiplex control signals, one end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to one of the data lines, and the otherend of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to apixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among thepixels,

the method comprising:

setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge Corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a capacitor, one end of which is connecteddirectly or through a specific component to the low-potential power lineconnected to a regulator which outputs the negative voltage, within agiven period; and

outputting the negative voltage generated by the regulator based on avoltage generated by the charge accumulated in the capacitor, as thelow-potential drive power voltage, after the period.

According to the above power supply method, since the negative voltagecan also be output to a display panel formed by using the LTPS processby reutilizing the charge which is originally discarded, powerconsumption can be reduced.

In the above power supply method, no input signal may be accepted by thedriver circuit during the period.

Since the low-potential drive power voltage of the driver circuit isdecreased, occurrence of a problem in which the logic level of the inputsignal to the driver circuit is incorrectly recognized due to the chargedischarged from the data line in the above period can be prevented.

In the above power supply method, an output of an input buffer to whichthe input signal is input may be fixed to the low-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit.

Leakage which occurs by fixing the input signal to the driver circuitcan be prevented by fixing the output of the input buffer at thelow-potential drive power voltage. Moreover, it is unnecessary to formthe driver circuit by using a high voltage process.

In the above power supply method, outputting a control signal to thedriver circuit from a controller which controls the driver circuit maybe suspended during the period.

If the controller recognizes the period, the configuration in which thedriver circuit does not accept the input signal can be made unnecessary.

In the above power supply method, an output of the control signal may befixed to a low-potential power voltage of the controller.

Leakage of the control signal suspended by the controller can beprevented. Moreover, it is unnecessary to form the controller by using ahigh voltage process.

In the above power supply method, polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial may be reversed during the period.

Since the charge discarded accompanying the polarity reverse drive canbe reutilized, display quality can be improved by the polarity reversedrive and power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which supplies a high-potential drive powervoltage to a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive powervoltage in addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drivesa plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which operates using a first voltage supplied to a powerline of the regulator as a power voltage, and outputs a voltage obtainedby regulating an input voltage which is the first voltage or a voltageobtained by dividing the first voltage;

a first switching circuit, one end of the first switching circuit beingconnected with an output node to which the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is output and the other end of the firstswitching circuit being connected with output of the regulator; and

a second switching circuit, one end of the second switching circuitbeing connected with the output node and the other end of the secondswitching circuit being connected with the power line, wherein:

the first switching circuit is turned off, the second switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the power line ofthe regulator during a given period in which an output from the drivercircuit to the data lines is set to a high impedance state, and polarityof a voltage between a pixel electrode of each of the pixels connectedto one of the data lines and a common electrode facing the pixelelectrode through an electro-optical material is reversed; and

the first switching circuit is turned on, the second switching circuitis turned off, and the regulated voltage is output to the output node bythe regulator to which a voltage generated by the charge accumulated inthe parasitic capacitor is supplied as a power voltage of the regulator.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which supplies a high-potential drive powervoltage to a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive powervoltage in addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drivesa plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator outputs a voltage obtained by regulating an input voltagewhich is a first voltage or a voltage obtained by dividing the firstvoltage;

a first switching circuit, one end of the first switching circuit beingconnected with an output node to which the high-potential drive powervoltage of the driver circuit is output; and the other end of the firstswitching circuit being connected with output of the regulator; and

a second switching circuit, one end of which is connected to the outputnode;

a capacitor, one end of the capacitor being connected to the other endof the second switching circuit, and the other end of the capacitorbeing connected to a system power line; and

a diode connected between the other end of the second switching circuitand a power line of the regulator to which is supplied a power voltageso that a direction from the systems power line to the power line of theregulator is a forward direction, wherein:

the first switching circuit is turned off, the second switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in the capacitor during a given period inwhich an output from the driver circuit to the data lines is set to ahigh impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and

the first switching circuit is turned on, the second switching circuitis turned off, and the regulated voltage is output by the regulator towhich a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in the parasiticcapacitor is supplied as a power voltage of the regulator.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which outputs a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied,

the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which outputs a voltage obtained by regulating a negativevoltage input to the regulator;

a fourth switching circuit, one end of the fourth switching circuitbeing connected to an output node which outputs the low-potential drivepower voltage for the driver circuit, and the other end of the fourthswitching circuit being connected to a system ground power line to whicha ground power voltage of the power supply circuit is supplied; and

a fifth switching circuit, one end of the fifth switching circuit beingconnected to the output node, and the other end of the fifth switchingcircuit being connected to a low-potential power line of the regulatordirectly or through a specific device, wherein:

the fourth switching circuit is turned off, the fifth switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potentialpower line of the regulator during a given period in which an outputfrom the driver circuit to the data lines is set to a high impedancestate, and polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode of each ofthe pixels connected to one of the data lines and a common electrodefacing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical material isreversed; and

the fourth switching circuit is turned on, the fifth switching circuitis turned off, and a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor is output to the low-potential power line of theregulator.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda power supply circuit which outputs a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied,

the power supply circuit comprising:

a regulator which outputs a voltage obtained by regulating a negativevoltage input to the regulator;

a fourth switching circuit, one end of the fourth switching circuitbeing connected to an output node which outputs the low-potential drivepower voltage for the driver circuit, and the other end of the fourthswitching circuit being connected to a system ground power line to whicha ground power voltage of the power supply circuit is supplied;

a fifth switching circuit, one end of which is connected to the outputnode;

a capacitor, one end of the capacitor being connected to the other endof the fifth switching circuit, and the other end of the capacitor beinggrounded; and

a diode connected between a low-potential power line of the regulatorand the other end of the fifth switching circuit so that a directionfrom the low-potential power line of the regulator to the fifthswitching circuit is a forward direction, wherein:

the fourth switching circuit is turned off, the fifth switching circuitis turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge discharged from thedata lines is accumulated in the capacitor during a given period inwhich an output from the driver circuit to the data lines is set to ahigh impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and

the fourth switching circuit is turned on, the fifth switching circuitis turned off, and a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in thecapacitor is output to the low-potential power line of the regulator.

1. A power supply method of supplying a high-potential drive powervoltage to a driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive powervoltage in addition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drivesa plurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,the method comprising: setting an output from the driver circuit to thedata lines to a high-impedance state, and accumulating a chargecorresponding to a charge discharged from the data lines in a parasiticcapacitor of a power line of a regulator which outputs a drive powervoltage to be supplied to the driver circuit, within a given period; andoutputting a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor to the power line, and supplying a voltage generatedby the regulator to the driver circuit as the high-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, after the period.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Apower supply method of supplying a high-potential drive power voltage toa driver circuit which receives a low-potential drive power voltage inaddition to the high-potential drive power voltage and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has in addition to thedata lines through each of which multiplexed data signals for first tothird color components are transmitted: a plurality of scanning lines; aplurality of pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanninglines and one of the data lines; and a plurality of demultiplexers, eachof which includes first to third demultiplexing switch elementsrespectively controlled by first to third demultiplex control signals,one end of each of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected toone of the data lines, and the other end of each of the demultiplexingswitch elements being connected to a pixels for the j-th color component(1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among the pixels, the method comprising:setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of a power line of aregulator which outputs a drive power voltage to be supplied to thedriver circuit, within a given period; and outputting a voltagegenerated by the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor to thepower line, and supplying a voltage generated by the regulator to thedriver circuit as the high-potential drive power voltage for the drivercircuit, after the period.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The power supply method asdefined in claim 1, wherein polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed during the period.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The powersupply method as defined in claim 3, wherein polarity of a voltagebetween a pixel electrode of each of the pixels connected to one of thedata lines and a common electrode facing the pixel electrode through anelectro-optical material is reversed during the period.
 8. (canceled) 9.A power supply method of supplying a negative voltage to a drivercircuit which receives high-potential-side and low-potential drive powervoltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a display panel whichhas a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in additionto the data lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, themethod comprising: setting an output from the driver circuit to the datalines to a high-impedance state, and accumulating a charge correspondingto a charge discharged from the data lines in a parasitic capacitor ofthe low-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and outputting the negativevoltage generated by the regulator based on a voltage generated by thecharge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor, as the low-potentialdrive power voltage, after the period.
 10. A power supply method ofsupplying a negative voltage to a driver circuit which receiveshigh-potential-side and low-potential drive power voltages and drives aplurality of data lines in a display panel which has a plurality ofpixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to the data lines,by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power line through which thelow-potential drive power voltage is supplied, the method comprising:setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, and accumulating a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines in a capacitor, one end of whichis connected directly or through a specific component to thelow-potential power line connected to a regulator which outputs thenegative voltage, within a given period; and outputting the negativevoltage generated by the regulator based on a voltage generated by thecharge accumulated in the capacitor, as the low-potential drive powervoltage, after the period.
 11. A power supply method of supplying anegative voltage by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which a low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, to adriver circuit which receives a high-potential drive power voltage inaddition to the low-potential drive power voltage and drives a pluralityof data lines in a display panel which has in addition to the data linesthrough each of which multiplexed data signals for first to third colorcomponents are transmitted: a plurality of scanning lines; a pluralityof pixels, each of which is connected to one of the scanning lines andone of the data lines; and a plurality of demultiplexers, each of whichincludes first to third demultiplexing switch elements respectivelycontrolled by first to third demultiplex control signals, one end ofeach of the demultiplexing switch elements being connected to one of thedata lines, and the other end of each of the demultiplexing switchelements being connected to a pixels for the j-th color component(1≦j≦3, j is an integer) among the pixels, the method comprising:setting an output from the driver circuit to the data lines to ahigh-impedance state, setting the first to third demultiplexing switchelements to an ON state by using the first to third demultiplex controlsignals, and accumulating a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potential powerline connected to a regulator which outputs the negative voltage, withina given period; and outputting the negative voltage generated by theregulator based on a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor, as the low-potential drive power voltage, after theperiod.
 12. A power supply method of supplying a negative voltage byutilizing a charge from a low-potential power line through which alow-potential drive power voltage is supplied, to a driver circuit whichreceives a high-potential drive power voltage in addition to thelow-potential drive power voltage and drives a plurality of data linesin a display panel which has in addition to the data lines through eachof which multiplexed data signals for first to third color componentsare transmitted: a plurality of scanning lines; a plurality of pixels,each of which is connected to one of the scanning lines and one of thedata lines; and a plurality of demultiplexers, each of which includesfirst to third demultiplexing switch elements respectively controlled byfirst to third demultiplex control signals, one end of each of thedemultiplexing switch elements being connected to one of the data lines,and the other end of each of the demultiplexing switch elements beingconnected to a pixels for the j-th color component (1≦j≦3, j is aninteger) among the pixels, the method comprising: setting an output fromthe driver circuit to the data lines to a high-impedance state, settingthe first to third demultiplexing switch elements to an ON state byusing the first to third demultiplex control signals, and accumulating acharge corresponding to a charge discharged from the data lines in acapacitor, one end of which is connected directly or through a specificcomponent to the low-potential power line connected to a regulator whichoutputs the negative voltage, within a given period; and outputting thenegative voltage generated by the regulator based on a voltage generatedby the charge accumulated in the capacitor, as the low-potential drivepower voltage, after the period.
 13. The power supply method as definedin claim 9, wherein no input signal is accepted by the driver circuitduring the period.
 14. The power supply method as defined in claim 10,wherein no input signal is accepted by the driver circuit during theperiod.
 15. The power supply method as defined in claim 11, wherein noinput signal is accepted by the driver circuit during the period. 16.The power supply method as defined in claim 12, wherein no input signalis accepted by the driver circuit during the period.
 17. The powersupply method as defined in claim 13, wherein an output of an inputbuffer to which the input signal is input is fixed to the low-potentialdrive power voltage of the driver circuit.
 18. The power supply methodas defined in claim 9, wherein outputting a control signal to the drivercircuit from a controller which controls the driver circuit is suspendedduring the period.
 19. The power supply method as defined in claim 18,wherein an output of the control signal is fixed to a low-potential-sidepower voltage of the controller.
 20. The power supply method as definedin claim 9, wherein polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode ofeach of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and a commonelectrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical materialis reversed during the period.
 21. The power supply method as defined inclaim 10, wherein polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode ofeach of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and a commonelectrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical materialis reversed during the period.
 22. The power supply method as defined inclaim 11, wherein polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode ofeach of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and a commonelectrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical materialis reversed during the period.
 23. The power supply method as defined inclaim 12, wherein polarity of a voltage between a pixel electrode ofeach of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and a commonelectrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-optical materialis reversed during the period.
 24. A power supply circuit which suppliesa high-potential drive power voltage to a driver circuit which receivesa low-potential drive power voltage in addition to the high-potentialdrive power voltage and drives a plurality of data lines in a displaypanel which has a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning linesin addition to the data lines, the power supply circuit comprising: aregulator which operates using a first voltage supplied to a power lineof the regulator as a power voltage, and outputs a voltage obtained byregulating an input voltage which is the first voltage or a voltageobtained by dividing the first voltage; a first switching circuit, oneend of the first switching circuit being connected with an output nodeto which the high-potential drive power voltage of the driver circuit isoutput and the other end of the first switching circuit being connectedwith output of the regulator; and a second switching circuit, one end ofthe second switching circuit being connected with the output node andthe other end of the second switching circuit being connected with thepower line, wherein: the first switching circuit is turned off, thesecond switching circuit is turned on, and a charge corresponding to acharge discharged from the data lines is accumulated in a parasiticcapacitor of the power line of the regulator during a given period inwhich an output from the driver circuit to the data lines is set to ahigh impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and the first switching circuit is turned on, thesecond switching circuit is turned off, and the regulated voltage isoutput to the output node by the regulator to which a voltage generatedby the charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitor is supplied as apower voltage of the regulator.
 25. (canceled)
 26. A power supplycircuit which outputs a negative voltage to a driver circuit whichreceives high-potential and low-potential drive power voltages anddrives a plurality of data lines in a display panel which has aplurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning lines in addition to thedata lines, by utilizing a charge from a low-potential power linethrough which the low-potential drive power voltage is supplied, thepower supply circuit comprising: a regulator which outputs a voltageobtained by regulating a negative voltage input to the regulator; afourth switching circuit, one end of the fourth switching circuit beingconnected to an output node which outputs the low-potential drive powervoltage for the driver circuit, and the other end of the fourthswitching circuit being connected to a system ground power line to whicha ground power voltage of the power supply circuit is supplied; and afifth switching circuit, one end of the fifth switching circuit beingconnected to the output node, and the other end of the fifth switchingcircuit being connected to a low-potential power line of the regulatordirectly or through a specific device, wherein: the fourth switchingcircuit is turned off, the fifth switching circuit is turned on, and acharge corresponding to a charge discharged from the data lines isaccumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the low-potential power line ofthe regulator during a given period in which an output from the drivercircuit to the data lines is set to a high impedance state, and polarityof a voltage between a pixel electrode of each of the pixels connectedto one of the data lines and a common electrode facing the pixelelectrode through an electro-optical material is reversed; and thefourth switching circuit is turned on, the fifth switching circuit isturned off, and a voltage generated by the charge accumulated in theparasitic capacitor is output to the low-potential power line of theregulator.
 27. A power supply circuit which outputs a negative voltageto a driver circuit which receives high-potential-side and low-potentialdrive power voltages and drives a plurality of data lines in a displaypanel which has a plurality of pixels and a plurality of scanning linesin addition to the data lines, by utilizing a charge from alow-potential power line through which the low-potential drive powervoltage is supplied, the power supply circuit comprising: a regulatorwhich outputs a voltage obtained by regulating a negative voltage inputto the regulator; a fourth switching circuit, one end of the fourthswitching circuit being connected to an output node which outputs thelow-potential drive power voltage for the driver circuit, and the otherend of the fourth switching circuit being connected to a system groundpower line to which a ground power voltage of the power supply circuitis supplied; a fifth switching circuit, one end of which is connected tothe output node; a capacitor, one end of the capacitor being connectedto the other end of the fifth switching circuit, and the other end ofthe capacitor being grounded; and a diode connected between alow-potential power line of the regulator and the other end of the fifthswitching circuit so that a direction from the low-potential power lineof the regulator to the fifth switching circuit is a forward direction,wherein: the fourth switching circuit is turned off, the fifth switchingcircuit is turned on, and a charge corresponding to a charge dischargedfrom the data lines is accumulated in the capacitor during a givenperiod in which an output from the driver circuit to the data lines isset to a high impedance state, and polarity of a voltage between a pixelelectrode of each of the pixels connected to one of the data lines and acommon electrode facing the pixel electrode through an electro-opticalmaterial is reversed; and the fourth switching circuit is turned on, thefifth switching circuit is turned of, and a voltage generated by thecharge accumulated in the capacitor is output to the low-potential powerline of the regulator.